Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge lies on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma, on the Red River between Oklahoma and Texas. Established in 1946, the Refuge includes 3,000 acres of marsh and water and 8,000 acres of upland and farmland. During fall, winter, and spring, the marshes and waters are in constant use by migrating and wintering waterfowl.

Hagerman NWR turns 72 years old in February, 2018. Congratulations to those who had the foresight to set aside this habitat for wildlife and to all who have worked to preserve and improve programs for the conservation of migratory waterfowl.

HNWR Visitor Center Dedicated September, 2011

On September 8, 2011, the Grand Opening was held for the new Refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center. (Photo by Tami Howard)

In March 2012 the Refuge staff learned that the new building was awarded the Silver LEED Certification. More than 20 different design aspects helped reach this level of certification. To learn more click here.

Pollinator Habitat Restoration Project Underway

What are the best land management practices for restoring pollinators in the Cross Timbers region of Texas and Oklahoma? Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Oklahoma State University hope to find answers to this question through a research project currently underway at various locations in the region, including HNWR. Plats on the refuge were selected to undergo prescribed burns with or without wildflower seeding. The prescribed burns took place on three plats in January. Two of the burned plats will not be seeded. In April, drilled wildflower and milkweed seeding was completed on Bennett Hill, one of the 5-acre burned plats, by Native American Seed. An additional plat will serve as the control during the two year comparison, as researchers evaluate the effect of these habitat management techniques on plant-pollinator communities.

Over 75% of all flowering plants are pollinated by hummingbirds, bats, bees, beetles, butterflies, and flies . A recent study by the National Academy of Sciences found declines in some wild pollinator populations. The main threats facing pollinators are habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation (https://www.fws.gov/pollinators/). (Article by Jean Flick)

Federal Duck Stamps

Federal Duck Stamps are a vital tool for wetlands conservation. Ninety-eight cents of every dollar generated by sales of Federal Duck Stamps goes to purchase or lease habitat for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System. In addition to serving as a hunting license and conservation tool, a current year's Federal Duck Stamp also serves as an entrance pass for National Wildlife Refuges where admission is normally charged. Duck stamps and products bearing duck stamp images are popular collector items.

A special traveling exhibit of winning entries in the 2016 Jr. Federal Duck Stamp competition was on display at Hagerman NWR April 30 - May 7, 2017; we hope to host this exhibit annually.

Both Federal Duck Stamps ($25) and Junior Duck Stamps ($5) are sold in many post offices across the country. You can also buy both stamps on the internet, and many sporting goods and outdoor stores sell the Federal Duck Stamps.

Many visitors to the Refuge are interested in the history of the town of Hagerman, which was displaced when Lake Texoma was built. Please click History of Hagerman to read an article written by a descendant of one of the town "fathers".

Click Hagerman to read an article by Donna Hunt, that was published in July, 2012, in the Herald Democrat.

Several blog posts relating stories of life at Hagerman, Texas have been written also:

Hagerman Cemetery is located on Hagerman Road, north of the Visitor Center. The cemetery was on high ground and was not relocated when Lake Texoma was built. Click for a photo essay showing grave markers of those born before 1900 who are buried in the Hagerman Cemetery.

How to Get to Hagerman NWR

Hagerman NWR is located at 6465 Refuge Road, Sherman, TX 75092; if traveling from south of the Refuge; from US 75 travel west, or I-35 travel east - to Hwy 289 - this is an extension of Preston Road, once on 289, go 4-1/2 miles to Refuge Road, turn west, go 4 miles and you will be at the Refuge Visitor Center.

From north of the Refuge, take either FM 1417 or Hwy 289 to Refuge Road and then turn and continue traveling west to the Visitor Center.

One of the best things I do at Hagerman is to take each grandson for visits up and down the roads. They never say no to a ride out there! We've been to many of the educational classes and they are the best! We've lived in Denison almost 40 years and we still enjoy time spent at Hagerman. You know, I think I might head out there this afternoon!

I come here at least once sometimes twice a week to clean the grime out of my brain!

One of Sherman's Best Kept Secrets!! We just learned of it recently and decided to take a day trip today. It was a wonderful learning experience for us.

A wonderful place to enjoy nature and take photos! Great for birding, seeing all kinds of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Also a great place to make new friends that love and enjoy nature; whether its hiking, birding or photography.

My kids' happy place! We love coming here! My kids commented just today that you have the BEST and NICEST volunteers!

Visitor Information

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is located at 6465 Refuge Road, Sherman, Texas, 75092.

The Refuge lands are open from sunrise to sunset daily. There is no charge for admission.

Hours of business for the Refuge Headquarters are 7:30 am - 4 pm, Monday through Friday, closed weekends.